Combined cigarette and vanity case



Sept W, 1935. LA ROY E. Pri-MAN ET AL ,mg

COMBINED CIGARETTE AND VANITY CASE Filed Jan. 3, 1935 2 Sheets-Shea?I l Warme s.

Sept. l?, 1'935'. LA ROY E. PITMAN ETAL 01149696 COMBIND CIGARETTE AND VANITY CASE Filed Jan. 5, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Sept. 17, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE COMBINED CIGARETTE AND VANITY CASE chusetts Application January 3, 1935, Serial No. 270 20 Claims. (Cl. 20G-38) This invention relates to a receptacle and more particularly to a vanity case and its mounting in another and larger receptacle such as a cigarette case.

o One object of the present invention is to provide a combined cigarette and vanity case with the vanity case in theform of a separate box contained in the cigarette case.

Another object of the invention is to provide in lil a combined cigarette and vanity case a novel construction for securely fastening the vanity case in the cigarette case to prevent relative movement between the parts and also forming a pivotal connection for the cover of the vanity 15 case.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel construction for pivotally connecting the cover with the case which normally holds the rear edge of the cover spaced from the ``0 case, but yielding to bodily movement of the cover to close the space when the cover is closed.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a combination case of the type indicated gether with the normal spacing of the cover from the case prevents the nished surface of the cover from being scarred or marred by striking against the case.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a vanity case having a novel latch for yieldingly holding the cover in a closed position and with the latch entirely enclosed and concealed from view when thecover is closed.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a novel arrangement and construction of elements for securing the vanity case in its assembled relation with the main case by the use of a minimum number of parts, and which facilitates the assembly of the parts without the use of threaded, riveted or soldered connections or the use of special tools.

These and other objects will become more apparent -by reference to the following description and drawings in which like reference characters denote like parts throughout the several views. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for purposes of illustration only and not a definition of the limits of the invention, reference being had for this purpose to the appended claims.` In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective View of the combined cigarette and vanity case shown with the cover of the vanity case raised to illustrate the interior thereof;

having a stop for limiting the swinging movement v -J of the cover with respect to the case which to- Fig. 2 is a plan view of the improved case shown with the cover closed;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view through the case taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional 5 view through the upper part of the case showing the cover for the vanity case in closed position;

Fig. 5 is a similar view illustrating the manner in which the cover is raised;

Fig. 6 is a itransverse sectional view through l0 the case taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 5 showing the cover in raised position;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged plan View of the case shown partly in section to illustrate the enclosed parts;

Fig. 8 is a. further enlarged sectional view of the rearward end of the vanity case showing the pivotal connection of the cover to the case;

Fig. 9 is an inverted perspective view of the cover for the vanity case shown with the detent 2O spring assembled in place therein;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the mirror used in the cover;

Fig. 1l is a perspective view of the hinge-pin which pivotally connects the cover and vanity case and secures the latter in place on the main case; and

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a stop member which acts to limit the swinging movement of the cover on the vanity case.

The present invention comprises, in its broader aspect, a vanity case for containing toilet accessories combined with a separate and larger receptacle such as a cigarette case, handbag or the like. In the preferred illustrated embodiment of a combination vanity case and cigarette holder, the vanity case is in the form of a tray rigidly held in an aperture in one of the leaves of the cigarette case by a single pin which also serves as a pivot for the cover of the vanity case and, further, normally holds the rear edge of the cover spaced from the tray to prevent scarring or marring the outer finish of the cover. To this end the vanity case is also provided with a stop for limiting the pivotal movement of the cover. The

vand described as relating to a combined cigarette and vanity case it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to that particular combination but is capable of a wide number of varia- Cil tions and forms involving the novel features illustrated and described herein.

Referring now to the drawings where a preferred embodiment only is illustrated, the vanity case 3 is shown as attached to and enclosed in a larger case 2 and provided with a hinged cover 4. The case 2 may take various forms and as shown is of a common type generally employed as a container for cigarettes or other articles and is therefore described but briefly as relating to the present invention.

. Referring particularly to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the case 2 comprises a pair of leaves ln the form of box-like sections 1 and 8 hingedly connected by means of a pin 9 and normally held in open relationship by a helical spring I0 coiled about the pin and with its ends engaging the interior of the two leaves as shown in Fig. 3. The two sections 1 and 8 are adapted to be held in closed relationship against the action of the spring I0 by a spring-latch or detent II of usual construction. A sheet-metal arm or clamp I2 pivoted on the pin I0 may be employed as a means for maintaining the articles, such as cigarettes, indicated by dot and dash lines, in place therein. The leaves 1 and 8 are preferably constructed from sheetmetal and of concavo-convex cross-section as shown, but not necessarily limited to that form and material. One of the leaves 1 is provided with a. rectangular aperture I4 into which the auxiliary vanity case 3 is inserted in the manner as hereinafter described.

The vanity case 3 in the form illustrated comprises a rectangular sheet-metal box or tray having a bottom I6 with side and end walls I1 and I8, respectively, bent upwardly therefrom. At the top, the walls I1 and I8 are folded outwardly to form marginal flanges I9. The tray 3 is of suitable outside dimensions to permit it to be inserted into the aperture I4 of the member 1 with a relatively snug t to prevent play therebetween. At the forward end of the tray 3 adjacent the side walls I1 and slightly below the flange I9, the metal is slitted and extended to provide detentlugs or ears 20 for engaging against the under surface of the member 1 to hold this end of the case in place as shown in Fig. '7 At its mid point the end wall I8 is provided with a wider ear 2I similarly formed by slitting and bending out the material of the tray. The ear 2I constitutes a detent-lug and also provides a pocket 22 on the interior of the end wall I8 which serves as a keeper for the cover-latch as will hereinafter appear.

To secure the opposite end I8 of the tray 3 within the aperture I4, a pin 25 of a spring material is providedVas shown in detail in Fig. 11, having pointed ends and its mid portion bowed or arched as indicated at 26. The ends of the pin 25 are adapted to pass through bearing apertures 21 formed in the side walls I1 of the case 3 when the parts are assembled, the projecting ends of the pin being arranged to engage the under surface of the wall of the hinged leaf 1 to hold the tray 3 firmly in place in the aperture I4 of the leaf. The metal from which the case or tray 3 is constructed is relatively thin so that when the case is assembled in place its top flanges I3 are substantially flush with the top of the main case 2 to provide a smooth finished appearance.

A stop-member 30 in the form of a crosspiece extends between the side walls I1 of the tray 3 and serves to limit the upward swinging movement of the cover 4, being rigidly held in place by tabs or ears 29 at its ends received in apertures 28 formed in the side walls. As the side walls I1 of the tray 3 are somewhat flexible they may be pressed outwardly to permit the member 30 to be inserted therebetween and when the tray is assembled in the aperture I4, the stop member will be rigidly and securely held in position.

The vanity case 3 serves as a receptacle for various toilet articles and, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, embraces a sheet-metal container 33 at one end for a supply of face powder and a puff. The container 33 may be secured to the bottom of the tray 3 in any suitable manner such as by soldering or cementing it thereto and may of itself be provided with a hinged cover 34. At the opposite end of the receptacle 3 is a small tray 35 for containing rouge or other toilet preparatlons,

The lid or cover 4, the parts of which are shown in inverted position in Fig.- 9, comprises a sheet-metal backing plate 31 having a flnished outer surface and provided with side flanges 38 bent downwardly therefrom. Near the rearward end of the cover the side flanges 38 are notched as at 39 and forwardly of the notches the side flanges are bent inwardly to form an acute angle with the backing plate. At the rear of the notches 39 are ears 40 formed by the portions of the sides 38 which stand at rightangles to the backing plate 31. The ears 40 are pierced with elongated apertures or slots 4I for receiving the pivot-pin 25 by means of which the cover 4 is hingedly mounted.

At the forward end of the cover 4 the metal forming the backing plate 31 is bent downwardly to provide an end flange 42 which is inclined at an acute angle to the plate. The end flange 42 is slitted lto form a llnger-piece 44 which is bentupwardly at a slight inclination to the backing plate 31 as shown most clearly in Fig. 4. The rearward end of the cover 4 is formed with a flange 45 provided with two notches 46 for the insertion of a forcing tool employed in assembling the parts.

On the backing plate 31 of the cover 4 is a bow-shaped wire-spring 41 having its opposite legs 48 held between the side flanges 38 with 4 the ends of the legs abutting the rearward end flange 45. The forward mid portion of the spring member 41 is crimped to provide a pair of V-shaped loops 5I) which project through the opening in the end flange 42 below the ilnger- D piecev 44 to provide a detent-latch for engaging the recess or keeper 22 in the tray 3 to yieldably lock the cover in closed position.

The under side of the cover 4 is closed by a sheet-metal plate 52 having a highly polished surface to serve as a mirror. The rearward end of the mirror plate 52 is bent to form a recess 53 extending the width of the plate. At its opposite or forward end the plate 52 is formed with an ear or extension 54 which projects into the opening in the front flange 42 of the cover 4 to close the gap and provide a finished appearance.

In assembling the parts to form the cover 4 the backing plate is first placed in inverted position as indicated in Fig. 9 and the spring 41 inserted between the sides 38 with its detentlatch 50 projecting outwardly through the opening in the end flange 42. The mirror plate 52 is slid into position between the side flanges 38 of the cover and its rearward crimped portion is sprung over the edge of the flange 45 by inserting a sharp instrument in the notches 46 to force the plate forwardly. The side and end flanges 38, 42 and 45, being inclined to the backing plate 31, form substantially dovetailed grooves which hold the plate 52 securely in place. With the parts of the cover assembled in the manner as above explained the recess 53 at the rearward end of the plate 52 registers with the elongated apertures 4I in the flanges 38 to form a transverse slot or pocket extending the width of the cover.

In assembling the two cases the stop member 30 is first mounted in the tray 3, as previously explained, and the tray then inserted in the opening I4 in the leaf 1 of the main case and pressed downwardly until the flanges I9 bring up against the upper wall of the leaf. As the tray is forced into the opening I4 the ears 20 and 2l yield to snap into engagement with the marginal edge of the opening to retain the forward end of the tray in place. The hinge-pin 25 is then inserted through the apertures 4I in the sides 38 of the cover 4 with its bowed portion received in the pocket 53 formed by the crimped rearward end of the mirror plate 52. The pin 25 is first positioned with one end only projecting beyond the lateral edge of the cover. The cover 4 is then placed within the tray 3 by inserting the projecting end of the pin 25 through the bearing aperture 21 at one side of the tray and tilting the cover until the recess or pocket 53 alines with the bearing aperture 21 on the opposite side wall of the tray. In this position the pivot-pin 25 is held in the pocket 53 in the cover 4 with one end extending through one side wall of the tray and engagingunder the edge of the upper wall of the leaf or case section 1. 'Ihe pin 25 is then slid longitudinally through the pocket 53 until its opposite end passes through the bearing aperture 21 on the opposite side of the tray 3 and engages under the edge of the upper wall of the leaf 1 on the opposite side. The tray 3 is thus held securely in position by the ange I9 and detents 20 and 2| at its forward end and by the lateral extensions of the pin 25 at its rearward end. As the bowed portion of the pin 25 engages the forward edge of the pocket 53 in the plate 52 and because of the position of the bearing apertures 21 in the tray 3 with respect to `the pocket the cover 4 will be normally urged forwardly to maintain its rearward edge spaced away from the rearward end of the tray 3. How` ever, due to its bowed shape the pin 25 is yieldable to permit the cover to be bodily moved rearwardly relative to its pivot mounting to entirely close the open top of the tray when the cover is latched.

With the cover 4 of the tray 3 in raised position, as illustrated in Fig. 1 of they drawings, the contents of the case are readily accessible and the plate 52 may be used as a mirror. In closing the cover 4 its inclined forward flange 42 engages against the inner edge. of the tray ,3 and as further pressure is applied to the cover it is cammed rearwardly against the tension ofthe bowed portion 26 of the hinge-pin 25. During the compression of the bowed portion of the pin 25 its ends slide in the elongated apertures 4I and permit relative movement of the cover with respect to the tray. As the cover 4 is moved rearwardly and swung down into closed position the projecting V-shaped latch snaps into the keeper 22 to retain it in closed position.

To open the tray 3 the cover 4 is raised by inserting the linger nail under the finger-piece 44 to lift the forward end of the cover, the latch 50 yielding under pressure. After the cover 4 is unlatched and opened the resilient bowed portion 26 of the pin 25 presses against the forward side of the pocket 53 and the cover is urged forwardly until the lateral extensions of the pin engage the rearward ends of the elongated apertures 4I By this action the rearward edge of the cover 4 is carried away from the edge of the tray 3 to prevent it from rubbing or scraping thereagainst and marring the flnished surfaces.

Referring now to Fig. 8 of the drawings, when the cover 4 has been raised to its full extent the bottom edge of the rearward' flange 45 engages the side of the crossbar or stop member 30 and in this manner further pivotal movement of the cover in this direction is prevented so that the finished surface of the backing plate cannot contact' with the tray.

It will be observed from the foregoing description that the present invention provides a .combination cigarette and vanity case having novel features of construction which facilitate the assembly of the elements without the use of threaded, riveted, or soldered connections or the use of special tools; and in which the mechanical parts of the case'are entirely concealed from view to provide a smooth and finished outer surface.

It will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the novel features illustrated and described may have a variety of mechanical expressions and that the auxiliary case may be as well applied to a handbag or other receptacle as to the cigarette case illustrated in the drawings without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, without limiting ourselves in this respect, We claim:

1. An article of manufacture comprising a support having top and bottom surfaces and apertured to receive a tray, a tray adapted to snugly fit within the aperture and having means engaging the top and bottom surfaces of the support at one endl of the aperture, and a pin extending through the tray and engaging the bottom surface of the support for rigidly locking the tray in position in the support.

2. An article of manufacture comprising a support having top and bottom surfaces and apertured to receive a tray, a tray adapted to snugly t within the aperture and having a flange engaging the top surface of the support adjacent the aperture, a detent on the tray for engaging the bottom surface of the support and cooperating with the ange to lock one end of the tray in the support, and a pin extending through the tray and engaging the bottom surface of the support for rigidly locking the tray in position in the support.

3. An article of manufacture comprising a support having top and bottom surfaces and apertured to receive a tray, a tray adapted to snugly lit within the aperture and having a marginal flange extending about the periphery of the tray and engaging the top surface of the support adjacent the aperture, said tray having a projecting detent at one end below the flange formed in the material of the tray and together with the flange engaging the top and bottom surfaces of the support at one end, and a pin extending through the tray at the opposite end with its terminal portions engaging the bottom surface of the support for rigidly locking the tray in position on the support.

4. An article of manufacture comprising a support of sheet material apertured to receive a tray, a tray adapted to snugly fit within the aperture and having means for engaging the top and bottom surfaces of the support at one end of the aperture, a cover for the tray, and a pin extending through the tray and cover and engaging the bottom surface of the support for providing a pivot for the cover and for holding the tray in position in the support.

5. An article of manufacture comprising a tray for holding cosmetics or the like having bearing apertures in the side walls thereof, a cover for said tray having a pocket extending transversely of its end, and a pivot-pin of spring material having a central bowed portion located within the pocket with its ends extending through the bearing apertures in the tray to pivotally support the cover on the tray, said bowed spring portion of the pin allowing longtudinal movement of the cover with respect to the tray.

6. An article of manufacture comprising a tray for holding cosmetics or the like having bearing apertures adjacent one end, a cover for said tray having a pocket adjacent one end extending transversely of the cover, and a pivotpin of spring material having a central bowed portion located within the pocket in the cover with its ends' extending into the bearing apertures in the tray, said bowed portion of the spring pressing against the forward wall of the pocket and normally holding the rearward edge of the cover spaced from the tray but yielding to bodily movement of the cover to close the space.

'7. An article of manufacture comprising a tray for holding cosmetics; or the like having bearing apertures at its opposite sides adjacent one end, a cover for said tray having a marginal inturned flange with slots on opposite sides and adjacent one end, a mirror held within the cover by the inturned flanges and having a transverse recess in alinement with the slots and forming a pocket in the cover, and a pivot-pin of spring material having a bowed portion located within the pocket with its ends extending through the bearing apertures of the tray, said bowed portion of the pin holding the rear edge of the cover spaced from the tray but yielding to bodily movement when the cover` is moved to a position to close the tray.

8. In an article of the class indicated, a receptacle for holding cosmetics or the like, a cover for the receptacle, means for pivotally connecting the cover to the receptacle, means constructed and arranged to yieldingly hold the rearward edge of the cover spaced from the inner rim of the receptacle, and means within the tray for limiting the pivotal movement of the cover with respect to the receptacle whereby no contact is made between the rearward edge or outer surface of the cover and the receptacle to mar the finish.

9. An article of manufacture comprising a sheet-metal tray for holding cosmetics or the like having bearing apertures adjacent one end, a cover for said tray having a transverse pocket adjacent one end, a pivot-pin within the pocket having a bowed portion engaging the forward wall thereof and straight portions engaging the rearward wall of the pocket and extending through the bearing apertures in the tray, said bowed portion of the pin normally holding the rearward edge of the cover spaced from the inner rim of the tray but yielding under bodily movement of the cover into engagement with the tray when the cover is moved to closed position, and a transverse bar within the tray adapted to be engaged by the rearward end of the cover to limit the pivotal movement of the cover.

10. An article of manufacture comprising a sheet-metal support apertured to receive a tray,

a tray for holding cosmetics or the like snugly fitting within the aperture, a cover for the tray having a transverse pocket, means at one end of the tray for holding it in the aperture, and a pin at the opposite end of the tray having a bowed 5 portion within the pocket and ends extending from the sides of the tray and engaging the under surface of the support to provide a pivot for the cover while locking the tray in the support, said bowed portion of the spring normally 10 holding the rearward edge of the cover spaced from the inner rim of the tray but yielding to bodily movement of the cover to close the space.

11. In an article of the class described, a s heetmetal' support apertured to receive a tray, a. 15 tray snugly tted within the aperture and having a flange engaging the top of the support, said tray having a projecting detent for engaging the bottom surface of said support and also formed with an inner recess, a cover hinged to the tray, 2o and a resilient detent-latch on the cover cooperating with the recess in the tray for yieldingly holding the cover closed.

12. In an article of the class described, a tray for holding cosmetics or the like having a recess 25 at one end, a hollow cover hinged to the tray at one end, and a bowed spring within the hollow cover having a loop extending outwardly through an aperture in the cover and adapted to cooperate with the recess in the tray to latch the cover 30 in closed position on the tray.

13. In a receptacle for holding cosmetics or the like, a cover for said receptacle having a sheet-metal back, a mirror, means for securing the mirror in spaced relation to the back of the cover to form a pocket therein, and a bowed spring held within the pocket and formed with a loop projecting outwardly therefrom to provide a yielding latch for the cover.

14. In a container for cosmetics or the like, Va 40 cover for said container comprising a sheet-metal back having inturned flanges at its sides and end, said end flange having an aperture, a mirror held in the back by the inturned flanges and forming a recess in the cover, means for hinging the cover to the container, and a bowed spring within the recess in the cover having a loop extending outwardly through. the aperture in the end flange and forming a yielding latch for the cover.

15. In a container for cosmetics or the like, a cover for said container comprising a sheet-metal back, a sheet-metal mirror having a transverse recess adjacent one end, means for holding the mirror in spaced relation to the back of the cover, the recess in the mirror and in the back cooperating to form a transverse pocket, a pivot-pin held in said pocket, and a bowed spring held between the back and the mirror with a loop projecting outwardly from the cover to form a yielding latch therefor.

16. An article of manufacture comprising a pair of hollow leaves hinged together to form a case, one of said leaves being apertured to receive a tray, a tray for holding cosmetics or the like snugly tted in the aperture and having means engaging the top and bottom surfaces of the wall of the leaf at one end of the aperture, and a pin extending through the tray with its ends engaging the bottom surface of the wall of the leaf to hold the tray in position in the leaf.

17. In a combination cigarette holder and vanity case, a pair of concave-convex leaves hinged together to form a case for holding cigarettes, one of said leaves being apertured to receive a tray for holding cosmetics, a tray snugly fitting the aperture and having spaced projections at one end for engaging the top and bottom surfaces of the wall of the leaf, a cover for the tray, and a pin extending through the tray and cover with its ends engaging the bottomy surface of the Wall of the leaf to pivot the cover and serving to lock the tay in positon in the leaf.

18. In an article of the class indicated, a member having an apertured wall to receive a tray, a tray adapted to snugly t within the aperture, detent means at the side of the tray for engaging under the wall adjacent the aperture, and a pin extending from the tray and into engagement with the wall for rigidly locking the tray in position.

19. In an article of the type indicated, a tray for holding cosmetics o1' the like having Lbearing apertures adjacent one end, a cover for said tray, and a pivot-pin carried by the cover with its ends extending into the bearing apertures in the tray, said pivot-pin being yieldable with respect to the cover and normally holding the rearward edge` of the cover spaced from the tray but yielding to bodily movement of the cover to close the space.

20. In an article of the type indicated, a tray for holding cosmetics or the like having bearing apertures adjacent one end, a cover for said tray, a pivot-pin carried by the cover with its ends extending into the bearing apertures in the tray, said pivot-pin being yieldable with respect to the cover and normally holding the rearward edge of the cover spaced from the tray but yielding to bodily movement of the cover to close the space, and a stop within the tray engaged by the cover to limit its pivotal movement.,

LA ROY E. PITMAN. JOHAN E. ARONSON. 

